In honor of Adam

{1.14.16} It was tragic, tragic day off the North Shore of Hawaii when 12 Marines lost their lives in a training exercise gone wrong. My husband's 24 year old cousin, Adam was one of those men.

Adam was a Sargeant of one of the HMS Stallion helicopters. He was training 2 other Marines that night. 

Adam's family came to visit a few months before. I love this picture of him and his Dad Ralph. These are 2 great guys. Ralph is so sincere and kind. Adam is so fun-loving and honorable. He always had a smile on his face.

These are a couple of the signs that were floating around Facebook as they searched for Adam and his fellow Marines. They searched from January 14- mid April before calling off the search/recovery efforts.

At our house, my hubby was honing his new spoon-carving skills as they searched for Adam. It was a sort of escape/useful way to exert his worry and prayers.

Adam's Memorial service was incredible. There were family and friends from all over, along with Marines who traveled from Hawaii to be there for the services. There were also many, MANY fellow Marines who didn't even know Adam, but because he shared their Marine brotherhood, he was one of their own. This is the sort of brotherly love that should exist in the world, but it is definitely found among Marines.

This Marine letter was written by Josh's other cousin's husband. Keith is a Major in the Marines and was Adam's trainer when he first went in to service. It was very, very touching to have Keith write this for Adam's service. He was also able to record a video message to share at the service.

There was not a dry eye in the house, including Keith's (which is NOT an easy accomplishment).

This is the Battle Cross for Adam's service. Each of the 4 people listed above had one of his items to display. I believe his sister Shannon had his boots. It was all so very emotional; to see his very own personal items held by these 4 people and displayed here, in absence of him. (Even writing this now, I'm still very emotional about it.)

Attending Adam's Memorial Service was unlike any other service I've ever been to. It was an incredible service filled with so much love and brotherhood with his fine young man who was called home FAR too early.

He met his beautiful young bride in November, they were married on July l4, 2015, after which they immediately moved to his new post in Hawaii. Who knew they'd have just 5 short months together?

I am very sad I didn't know Adam well at all but I remember him always being happy and smiling and hearing all the stories about him at the service tells me that's how he always was.

When he was considering what he'd do after high school, he considered the armed forces. I believe his Dad served for a time, as did his sister who was in the Army and did a couple tours in Iraq & Afghanistan. Adam kept saying, "If not me, then who?" If he didn't go in to service, than who else would? 

Adam was a good, good man who touched many lives. He served his country valiantly and honorably. No remains were recovered from the search effort, however a part of his flight suit was recovered. (It is believed to be a part of the 2nd suit he always packed with him.)

May he rest with the Lord, his other family members and fellow Marines that have gone ahead. And may the Lord continue to be with and bless his dear wife Samantha, along with his parents, sibling, grandparents and other family and friends. He will be eternally missed.